Chayote & Black Bean Salad
A vibrant and refreshing Chayote & Black Bean Salad featuring crisp chayote, hearty black beans, and a zesty lime-cilantro vinaigrette, perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
For 4 servings
**Prepare Chayote:** Peel the chayote squash, cut it in half, remove the seed, and dice it into 1/2-inch cubes.
**Prepare Vegetables:** Rinse and drain the canned black beans thoroughly. Finely dice the red onion and red bell pepper. If using frozen corn, thaw it. Chop the fresh cilantro.
**Make Vinaigrette:** In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, ground cumin, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. If desired, add the finely minced jalapeño.
**Combine Salad Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chayote, rinsed black beans, diced red onion, diced red bell pepper, and corn kernels.
**Dress the Salad:** Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to ensure all components are evenly coated.
**Add Avocado:** Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado to prevent it from browning and becoming mushy.
**Chill and Serve:** For best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a side dish or a light main course.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Prevent Avocado Browning:** To keep diced avocado fresh, toss it with a little extra lime juice before adding it to the salad, or add it right before serving.
- 2**Chayote Prep:** Chayote can be a bit slippery when peeling. Use a sharp vegetable peeler and be careful. Some people prefer to peel it under running water to prevent a sticky residue from forming on their hands.
- 3**Flavor Development:** While delicious immediately, this salad benefits from chilling for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.
- 4**Customizable Heat:** Adjust the amount of jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the vinaigrette if you prefer a spicier salad.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, crumbled feta cheese, or pan-fried halloumi for a more substantial meal.
Grain BowlGrain Bowl
Serve over a bed of quinoa, brown rice, or farro to create a hearty and complete grain bowl.
Tropical TwistTropical Twist
Incorporate diced mango or pineapple for a touch of sweetness and a tropical flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High Fiber
Black beans and chayote are excellent sources of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and satiety.
Rich in Vitamins & Minerals
Chayote provides Vitamin C and K, while black beans offer iron, magnesium, and folate, supporting overall bodily functions.
Heart Healthy
Olive oil and avocado contribute healthy monounsaturated fats, and the high fiber content helps manage cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
You can prepare the chayote, black beans, other vegetables, and the vinaigrette up to a day in advance. Store them separately and combine and add avocado just before serving for the best texture.
